Meet Billy “Finally the hard work pays off” It was his house manager that told Billy how much he enjoyed going to work.
“Finally the hard work pays off”
It was his house manager that told Billy how much he enjoyed going to work. He told him how he felt appreciated, fulfilled, and saw an opportunity to grow. Billy had recently returned home from a prison sentence and was anxious about even finding work, yet alone something he enjoyed. Nevertheless, at the urging of his house manager he filled out an application to become a manufacturing technician at Awake Window & Door Co. And he got the job.
Since he had never worked in window manufacturing before, there were initially a lot of questions. “The team had a lot of patience with me”, Billy said as he thinks back to those initial months of learning. But as he asked his questions, he continued to improve. He was committed to showing up every day and doing his best with a good attitude. Eventually that positive work ethic and increased skill led to a raise and in October 2023 he was recognized as employee of the month. “I’ve always been a hard worker, but I don’t think any other employer cared or showed me as much appreciation as I showed them. Finally, the hard work pays off”
Billy knows that it takes a lot of hard work to be successful in work and life. He knows what it’s like to come home and repeatedly get caught up in the relationships and habits that lead back to prison. “Every time I’ve come home, I tried to do it right. I get a job, keep a job, but then you run into that one wrong individual and next thing you know…”. This cycle of recidivism has led to Billy being in and out of prison five times since he was 17. So what’s different this time? Not only has Billy put in the hard work to build windows, but he’s put in the work to build a future for his family. He has surrounded himself with individuals who support one another through the bumps in the road. “I’ve shed a tear with others at Awake. They get the things I’m going through because they’ve been there too”. He also credits new innovative approaches through the parole office, “Parole seemed more geared to help this time. They connected me with AZ @ Work, and they help with treatment instead of just violating. They’re much more geared towards solutions… a foot up not knocked down.”
Billy has also taken advantage of Awake’s unique commitment to wrap around services – supporting employees in life skills outside of work. Most recently, Billy has made the decision to move out of the group home environment and into his own apartment. The team at Awake was able to assist in filling out apartment applications and even moving in furniture to his new place.
Other employees donated a TV, lamps, and other important items to help Billy get started. And he is getting started. Billy wants to start a new cycle. One of personal health and of building a beautiful life for himself and his family. He wants to be a role model for his son and show those around him that hard work really can pay off.